Senior Software Engineer - LABs

Senior Engineer - Checkatrade Labs

Hybrid role, three days a week at our office in King's Cross

Revolutionise the Trades Industry with Cutting-Edge Tech

Checkatrade Labs is not your typical engineering team. We are the high-velocity innovation hub within Checkatrade, operating like a startup inside an established, industry-leading company. Our mission? To rapidly experiment, build, and launch game-changing products that digitise the UK trades market.

If you're the kind of engineer who thrives in fast-paced environments, loves solving real-world problems with AI, and wants to see the tangible impact of your work in production from day one, this is the team for you.

• Move at Startup Speed - We launch MVPs in weeks, not months. Work in small, autonomous teams that make decisions fast.

• AI-First Engineering - We harness the power of AI tools and APIs in production from day one, accelerating development and enhancing product capabilities.

• Build Zero-to-One Products - Experience the thrill of taking an idea from concept to a fully operational product.

• Data-Driven Decisions - We prioritise instrumentation, analytics, and rapid experimentation to validate ideas.

• Hands-On Innovation - Work directly with users, founders, and stakeholders to shape products that disrupt the home improvement industry.

• Build & Launch Fast - Create and deploy MVPs in weeks, not months.

• Own Technical Direction - Make key architectural decisions that balance speed with scalability.

• Experiment Rapidly - Prototype, test, and iterate quickly while maintaining high standards of data collection.

• Work Autonomously - Collaborate with product entrepreneurs and take ownership of engineering decisions.

• Be Empowered with AI - Leverage AI-powered development tools to move faster and smarter.

• A builder at heart - You love crafting new products from scratch.

• Passionate about startups and zero-to-one development.

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and rapid decision-making.

• Self-directed with strong entrepreneurial instincts.

• Excited to wear multiple hats and work across the full stack.

• Interested in eventually becoming a tech co-founder or startup CTO.

• Strong full-stack engineering skills with experience in rapid prototyping.

• Proficiency in TypeScript, Node.js, React, and cloud platforms.

• A data-driven mindset with experience in metrics-based development.

• A track record of shipping in fast-paced environments.

• Hands-on experience with API development and modern software engineering practices.

Frontend: React, TypeScript
Backend: Node.js, TypeScript
Cloud: Google Cloud Platform (Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, Firestore)
AI: Claude/GPT, Clinebot, Devin
Tools: Retool for MVPs, PERN Stack for durable applications

If you've ever dreamed of being a technical co-founder or want to experience the thrill of startup-style innovation with the resources and stability of a leading company, this is your chance. Join Checkatrade Labs and help us shape the future of home improvement services through rapid innovation, AI-powered engineering, and industry-first solutions.

About us

We're Checkatrade - the UK's leading platform for finding a tradesperson. With more than 50,000 trades listed and over 6 million reviews, we help homeowners get jobs done right and help tradespeople grow their business.

We're growing fast, with big plans to become the go-to brand for home improvements. If you care about great work, take pride in the details, and want to make an impact, you'll fit right in.